It was one of four changes made by Karanka for the Championship clash at the City Ground, though new signing Tobias Figueiredo was not included in the matchday squad, having joined on loan just before kick-off.

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Tendayi Darikwa, David Vaughan and Barrie McKay also came into the starting line-up, with Eric Lichaj, Andreas Bouchalakis and Ben Brereton dropping to the bench, while Mustapha Carayol was left out of the squad altogether.

It meant Forest seemed set to line up with a back line of Darikwa, Joe Worrall, Michael Mancienne and Danny Fox, ahead of goalkeeper Jordan Smith.

Tendayi Darikwa was back in the starting line-up (Image: Dan Westwell)

Vaughan would take the holding midfield role alongside Ben Osborn, with McKay on the left of an attacking three also featuring Matty Cash and Kieran Dowell to support Vellios up front.